This essay will present an in-depth critique of the research literature exploring the occupation of gardening and its therapeutic benefits for children.
Gardening is the activity of planting, cultivating and tending (Oxford dictionary 2015). The origins of gardening, and its fulfilment of a human need, date back to 1500bc where archaeologists discovered ancient paintings of opulent gardens by the Egyptians (Cellauro 2015). Recognition of the benefits of gardening as a therapeutic tool in occupational therapy date back to Hartwell (1933). It provides opportunities for social inclusion which is a central component in well-being (Grabbe et al 2013).
As healthcare has developed over the last few hundred years so has the understanding that gardening is therapeutic (Wilcock 2001). Today there is an established evidence base which supports the theory that gardening has significant therapeutic benefits, across all stages of the lifecycle, promoting recovery and general health and well-being (Wideman and Sadlo 2015). The increasing existence of gardening charities here in the UK and abroad are a testament to its strong evidence base (Google 2015).
Relevant research was sourced from Cardiff University online E-Journal resource, JSTOR online database, Sage Publications and general scholar internet searches. Key terms such as ‘gardening for children’ ‘occupational therapy and gardening’ were used.
The critique of the literature identified the potential use of gardening as a
Children need to experiment outdoors as there is so much to learn. Children can learn in each of the areas and develop their skills. During play children are learning to socialise with each other, playing in small groups and taking turns which builds there confidence up. They also develop their motor skills through playing outdoors, running, jumping, walking and crawling. Children will learn to take risks
In this essay, I will be taking on the role of the head administrator, of the Northumberland Community Garden. I will be writing a proposal letter to the American Community Gardens Association, to try and receive funding for the Northumberland Community Gardens. In this letter, I will give a basic outline of the program development stages, evaluation process, and financial aspects of my organization. I will also include other information that would be considered relevant to understanding my purpose for creating this program.
John Paul Jones Impact on U.S. History Brennan Baker John Paul Jones, or some may know him as “The Father of the American Navy”, is considered a remarkable figure when it comes to United States history. Although he often had an eye for ladies, stylish appearance, pirate style approach to situations, and extremely short temper, he will forever be remembered for his remarkable ambition for adventures on the sea and ability to take on any challenge presented to him. John Paul Jones' early life easily set the stage for his future work and career. Jones impacted United States history by introducing naval war tactics, achieving several victories on the sea, and setting the stage for the determination and patriotism shown by American
Children through play and leisure, children and young people explore their physical and social environment, test out ideas and concepts.
Children’s development occurs through active participation in activities. In this home you have been learning all about how to play alongside and with the other children, this has helped you to gain confidence and strengthen your social skills. Collaboration with adults and with other children plays a central role in your development. You have a wonderful environment here where you get to develop and refine your physical skills like running, jumping, swimming and climbing. You have really developed your confidence. You really enjoy helping with gardening and other jobs with
Since the beginning of the human race mankind has depended on the natural resources in their environment for survival. They utilized the available flora to nourish their body, heal their wounds, comfort their ailments and to create products to ease their daily lives. Many of the same plants utilized thousands of years ago by the indigenous people have been integrated into modern day medicines. The scientific interest and knowledge of plants for nourishment, healing, and practical uses is called ethnobotany.
When exploring water and gardens, it is important to apply the EYLF to children’s learning and development. Outcome two, children are connected with and contribute to their world allows children to develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities, respond to diversity with respect, be aware of fairness, and show respect for the environment (DEEWR, 2009). By developing these outcomes children begin to broaden their understanding of the world they live in. This can be explored by providing children with opportunities to explore the environment through gardening or water play and promote positive responses
Physical activity is important to the short term and long term health and well being of children. In the short term physical activity helps children to build muscle, develops the skeletal frame, develops the heart and lung function and helps to prevent obesity. If children have enough physical activity a day which is said to be up to an hour it can help the children get to sleep easier and for longer periods of time, this can then lead onto long term benefits as if the activity is in the garden it will also help the child to build up a good immune system so they will be less likely to fall ill to the common cold or the flu. This outdoor environment helps the over all wellbeing of the children as the outdoors makes them
The theme of this reflective account is engaging children in participation, and enabling children to have a voice. The Every child matters documentation (Department for Education 2010) focuses on the important role of the adult in enabling children to make decisions and encouraging them to participate and make a positive contribution. As a result through this account, how children in my setting are encouraged to participate in the outdoor play space will be explored. A small piece of research was carried out which will be reflected on, as will theory relating to children making a positive contribution in the early years.
The practitioner in an early years setting supporting children’s play learning and development is extremely important, as play helps stimulate the child’s brain, supports their needs on an educational level, as well as helping them with social difficulties such as building relationships, developing them and helping them gain confidence. Many people believe that a child learns best when they are motivated, such as Fredrich Froebel. He believed that children benefitted from all types of play. The McMillan sisters believed that outdoor play was extra important as they studied children who played and slept outside and discovered that they were the happier and healthier children in comparison to those who only played inside.
Ross’ (2000) article ‘Curriculum Gardening’ explores the notion of a garden as a metaphor for curriculum in education. According to the Catholic Education Office Sydney (2014), the curriculum is not just a document, but a framework that is put in place to nurture student learning and allow students to be engaged in meaningful and purposeful learning experiences that will create life-long learners. It is Ross’ view that ‘Curriculum Gardening’ is a sound metaphor, because just like a garden students are given the chance to grow and learn.
The two housewives have a passionate love for gardening and bestow their love and appreciation towards their gardens. In the twentieth century, gardening was advocated as beneficial to one’s life and family. In the New England Quarterly, the journal, “Gardening as ‘Women’s Culture’ in Mary E. Wilkins Freeman’s Short Fiction,” states,“The time women spent in
In the 16-1800s having a garden was thought to be a necessity of life says Martha White in Traditional Home Remedies. (White 2000)
Modern-day, stresses and nerves – and, it ought to be said, an open-air world which truly is less youngster amicable than ever before – has prompted a hazard opposed a culture that discovers expression in oppressive well-being and security arrangements which neglect to measure the advantages of a given movement against the dangers included. Suppliers of kids' play areas, in a similar manner as numerous open administrations, are in dread in case of even minor scratches. So they progressively blunder in favour of alert, putting intensely in effect retaining surfaces and gear that thoroughly meets well-being gauges yet regularly needs genuine play value.Free and unstructured play in the outside lifts critical thinking abilities, centre and self-restraint. Socially, it enhances participation, adaptability, and mindfulness. Enthusiastic advantages incorporate diminished animosity and expanded happiness.Children will be more quick-witted, better ready to coexist with others, more beneficial and more joyful when they have normal open doors for nothing and unstructured play in the out-of-entryways. In a current study a third of kids believed that there was a leaf that can soothe a nettle sting; as per the review, more than seventy-percent of the youngsters that participated in the research have never climbed a tree. Abominable! Ask anybody more than forty to relate to you their most loved recollections of adolescence play, and few will be inside. Less still will include a grown-up.
It has a positive impact on mental health which is crucial for some people, including me. I looked forward to waking up every morning and watering my plants, it gave me a couple of minutes to just relax and essentially enjoy the peace and quiet. Lastly, my garden got me to be more active, “digging, planting, weeding, and other repetitive tasks that require strength or stretching are excellent forms of low-impact exercise,” (Harding). It forced me to go outside and do something, unlike the past couple of years which I did absolutely nothing, I usually just got home from school and did